INTRODUCTION
The LEAP Conference 2025, held from February 9–12 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, stands as a premier global tech event, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries to explore the future of technology. This year’s conference is not just about showcasing groundbreaking technologies but also about fostering collaboration that drives the next wave of digital transformation.
Key Highlights from Day 1:
- $14.9 billion in new tech investments were announced by major global players such as Google, Qualcomm, Tencent, and Alibaba, aimed at accelerating Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation.
- AI, cloud computing, and fintech were at the forefront of discussions, with keynote speakers emphasizing how these technologies are shaping the future.
- Sessions featured leading tech innovators sharing insights into emerging trends in AI, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure.
- Startups and entrepreneurs showcased breakthrough innovations, attracting interest from investors looking for the next big opportunities in tech.
- The day concluded with networking sessions, connecting global enterprises, regional businesses, and government initiatives to foster collaboration in the tech sector.
With a strong focus on innovation, investment, and partnerships, Day 1 set the stage for in-depth discussions and collaborations in the following days, including a deeper dive into AI-driven solutions and strategic partnerships on Day 2.
On Day 2, the conference emphasized the role of attending companies and the burgeoning partnership opportunities, particularly in the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Insights from industry expert Shak Ahmed highlighted how businesses across various sectors are showcasing their advancements and expressing eagerness to collaborate with innovators leading the AI revolution.
About Mr. Shak Ahmed (Director of Business Development at SmartDev)
With over 15 years of expertise in business development and strategic leadership, Shak specializes in driving growth, market expansion, and revenue optimization across EMEA, APAC, and the Americas. Currently, he leads business development at SmartDev and Verysell Group, partnering with executives to craft impactful strategies that deliver measurable results.
Shak’s career spans high-performing team leadership and projects across the software, fintech, logistics, and automotive industries. His experience on company boards in transport and consultancy provides a holistic perspective for guiding strategic decisions. With a focus on client-centric, scalable solutions, Shak excels in aligning operational and commercial strategies to achieve sustainable growth and innovation.
1. A Global Stage for Innovation
Day 2 featured a diverse array of sessions, underscoring the conference’s role as a melting pot for global innovation. Companies from sectors such as oil & gas, real estate, infrastructure, education, and fintech presented their forward-looking strategies and solutions. For instance, the session titled “Building the Next Generation of Space Infrastructure and Connectivity Ecosystem” brought together leaders to discuss sustainable advancements in AI infrastructure. This aligns with Shak Ahmed’s observation that:
“It is a huge show, all the most capable companies in the world are there showcasing their future selves, their offerings, and how they are transforming the business world to make life easier, smoother, and more efficient.”
– Shak Ahmed, BDR at SmartDev
Such sessions exemplify how industries are not only innovating within their domains but are also converging towards common goals of efficiency and sustainability through AI.
2. AI as the Common Driving Force
A recurring theme throughout the day’s sessions was the pervasive adoption of AI across industries. In the “Bring it all together: Google’s ecosystem powers the future of AI at work” session, discussions centered on nurturing AI-driven startups, highlighting the tech giant’s commitment to fostering innovation in various sectors. This reflects Shak Ahmed’s insight:
“All companies from oil and gas to real estate, to infrastructure, education, and fintech, they are all showing massive promise in AI adoption.”
– Shak Ahmed, BDR at SmartDev
In every industry, AI is transforming operations and driving continuous innovation:
- Oil & Gas: AI is revolutionizing the sector with predictive maintenance, automated drilling operations, and energy optimization, reducing costs and improving sustainability.
- Real Estate & Infrastructure: Companies are implementing AI-driven property management, smart city solutions, and automated tenant services to increase efficiency and enhance user experience.
- Education: AI-powered learning platforms, virtual tutors, and adaptive assessment tools are transforming education into a more personalized and scalable experience.
- Fintech: AI is driving innovations in fraud detection, risk management, automated financial services, and hyper-personalized banking solutions.
Across all these industries, the demand for AI-powered solutions is skyrocketing, creating massive opportunities for companies capable of delivering custom AI and automation systems.
3. The Thriving Partnership Ecosystem
The conference also highlighted the importance of partnerships in driving innovation. Sessions like “Insights into KSA’s Tech Investment Landscape: A 5-Year Review” provided a platform for discussing collaborative opportunities within Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning tech ecosystem. This resonates with Shak Ahmed’s observation:
“They are all open to partnerships as innovation is the true goal, being at the forefront of innovation.”
– Shak Ahmed, BDR at SmartDev
Unlike in the past, where companies worked in silos, today’s landscape demands collaborative innovation. Businesses are looking to co-develop AI solutions, integrate digital ecosystems, and leverage each other’s strengths to create smarter, more efficient systems. Such discussions underscore the collective recognition that collaboration is key to staying ahead in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. This also means that organizations like SmartDev, which specialize in AI-powered automation, fintech solutions, and enterprise software development, are in an ideal position to connect with these companies and build meaningful collaborations.
4. Opportunities for SmartDev in the Middle East and Beyond
As AI adoption accelerates across industries, SmartDev is in a prime position to contribute its expertise and form strategic partnerships in the Middle East. Our deepening presence in the region, combined with our proven track record in AI-driven solutions, allows us to capitalize on emerging opportunities from LEAP 2025 and beyond.
At SmartDev, our mission is to empower businesses with cutting-edge AI, fintech, and automation solutions that drive efficiency and innovation. With a strong foundation in AI & Machine Learning, fintech solutions, and custom software development, we are committed to helping companies harness technology to create lasting impact.
4.1. Expanding AI-Powered Automation for Enterprises
With industries actively investing in AI, businesses are searching for automation solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and drive innovation. SmartDev’s expertise in AI-powered software development, process automation, and intelligent decision-making makes us a valuable partner for organizations looking to scale their operations.
- Oil & Gas: AI-driven predictive maintenance, automated inspection systems, and energy optimization solutions.
- Real Estate & Smart Infrastructure: AI-powered property management, smart city development, and automated tenant services.
- Education & Corporate Training: Adaptive AI learning platforms, virtual tutors, and AI-driven content personalization.
SmartDev has already been at the forefront of AI-driven business transformation, helping companies implement scalable AI and automation solutions that align with regional industry needs.
4.2. Strengthening Our Position in Fintech Innovation
As a trusted fintech software provider, SmartDev has worked with global clients to implement secure, AI-powered financial solutions. The fintech sector in the Middle East is rapidly evolving, presenting opportunities for us to expand our expertise and collaborate with banks, financial institutions, and fintech startups.
Key areas where SmartDev can make an impact include:
- AI-powered fraud detection and risk management.
- Automated financial services and digital banking innovations.
- Regulatory compliance solutions using AI-driven analytics.
Our strategic partnership with NEXUMGlobal further reinforces our position as an AI-driven fintech leader, making SmartDev a strong partner for financial institutions seeking intelligent automation and next-generation digital services.
4.3. Strengthening SmartDev’s Middle East Expansion
SmartDev’s journey in the Middle East has been remarkable, with our participation in GITEX Global and North Star Dubai allowing us to establish a strong foothold in the region. One of our biggest milestones has been securing an agreement with one of the Big Four accounting firms, a testament to the trust and credibility SmartDev has built in the region. To further solidify our commitment, we are opening a new office in the UAE, allowing us to be closer to our clients and expand our regional impact.
By joining LEAP 2025, we aim to:
- Deepen our engagement with Saudi Arabia’s tech ecosystem.
- Connect with AI-driven enterprises seeking transformative solutions.
- Position SmartDev as a leading AI and software innovation partner in the Middle East.
CONCLUSION
Day 2 of the LEAP Conference 2025 highlighted the central role of AI in driving industry evolution and the critical importance of partnerships in fostering innovation. As companies across sectors actively seek collaborative opportunities, entities like SmartDev have a unique chance to lead in this transformative era. Engaging with these developments will not only position SmartDev at the forefront of technological advancement but also contribute significantly to shaping the future landscape of various industries.
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